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Manchester City 'identify top target to replace Pep Guardiola'

Man City 'identify top target to replace Guardiola'
© Reuters
Manchester City reportedly identify Girona boss Michel as a potential candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola in the future.

Manchester City have reportedly identified Girona boss Michel as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola.

The Citizens have enjoyed the most successful period in their history since Guardiola took over the reins at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2019.

Guardiola has guided the Citizens to 16 pieces of silverware, including a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy and an FA Cup in last season's historic treble-winning campaign.

Man City's hopes of retaining their Champions League trophy were ended by Wednesday's penalty-shootout defeat to record European champions Real Madrid.

Despite experiencing disappointment in midweek, Man City still have the opportunity to win the FA Cup and the Premier League title in Guardiola's eighth season with the club.

While Guardiola will currently be focused on matters on the pitch, there is some uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the club.

Girona coach Michel before the match on April 13, 2024© Reuters

Michel earmarked as Guardiola's successor

The 53-year-old has just over a year left to run on his current deal which will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Guardiola has previously hinted that he is open to extending his stay, but there is still a possibility that he could decide to leave in the summer of 2025.

Even if Guardiola renews his current deal, Man City are fully aware that he will depart at some point in the future.

As a result, Relevo are reporting that the Citizens are considering Girona boss Michel as Guardiola's potential replacement.

The report claims that Michel is well-respected in the City Group, who are fully aware of his work due to their 47% stake in Girona.

Girona coach Michel reacts on December 10, 2023© Reuters

Michel's impressive reputation

Michel, who is said to be learning English, has significantly bolstered his reputation during his three-year tenure as Girona boss.

The 48-year-old achieved promotion via the playoffs in his first season, before leading the club to a 10th-placed finish in the 2022-23 La Liga campaign.

Girona have gone on to reach new heights this season, losing just one of their opening 23 La Liga matches to put themselves in the title race.

Although they have experienced a drop off in the last couple of months, Girona are sitting in third place with a seven-point cushion to Athletic Bilbao in fifth position.

As a result, they are on the verge of securing a Champions League place and European qualification for the first time in their history.

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Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez on January 28, 2023
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